The Yanks Air Museum is located in Chino,California. In 1973, this collection of aircraft began with the acquisition of the Beech Staggerwing and since then the museum has acquired more than 200aircraft. Many of the aircraft displayed at the museum are one-of-a-kind(usually meaning the last remaining example) and most of them can be flown(notice the dip pans under the airplanes). According to the Museum’s website:
“Yanks Air Museum hosts one of the world’s largest aircraft collections, most of them airworthy. Painstakingly rebuilding these titans of American aviation history is hard work, with mechanics and craftsmen working by hand (sometimes for decades) to return craft to their original state. Visitors are encouraged to view the aircraft and learn about their history, their stories, and their journey from graveyard to restoration.”
Wright Flyer 1 (Replica)
On December 17, 1903, the first heavier-than-air powered aircraft flow at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The flight last 12 seconds and the aircraft flew 120 feet.
Fi 103 (V-1 Buzz Bomb)
According to the Museum display:
“A new era in weapon delivery began on June 13, 1944 when the first V-1 was fired at London. First test flown by 1942, the V-1 was the forerunner of today’s cruise missile. The V-1 was relatively simple and inexpensive to build, allowing them to be built in large numbers. Their simplicity, sturdy steel skin and low operating altitude made them difficult targets. However, of the 10,000 that were fired towards London, less than 2,500 made it through the layered defences of barrage balloons, anti-aircraft guns and aircraft. The ominous sound of their pulse engines struck terror into the hearts of those who heard them.”
CG-4A Hadrian
This glider was first produced in 1943. It was the workhorse of the American Glider Force and used in every airborne invasion of World War II. According to the Museum display:
“Designed to carry pilot and co-pilot plus a huge cargo of 75mm Howitzer, 15 fully-army troops or quarter ton jeep. An ingenious hinged design opened the nose for cargo. Upon landing, the jeep was used to raise the nose, extend the ramps and seconds later the jeep was deployed.”
Once the glider had crash landed into battle, pilot and co-pilot became part of the infantry.
More Airplanes
Yanks Air Museum: Observation Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: World War II Bombers (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: The Bone Yard (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Air Racers (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: British Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Some Jet Fighters (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Vintage Aircraft in the Museum of Mountain Flying (Photo Diary)